New Mexico: Feds arrest teen with pot at port of entry

COLUMBUS, N.M. - Federal authorities say a 17-year-old Deming girl has been arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle marijuana into New Mexico.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Columbus port of entry say they seized 2.2 pounds of marijuana found hidden in the teenager's purse.

"This is the first juvenile drug smuggling case at the Columbus port since we intercepted several school age smugglers in April of this year," said acting CBP Columbus Port Director Jose Robles. "CBP officers remain vigilant knowing that smugglers can be young, old or anywhere in between."

CBP officials say the girl entered the port as a pedestrian border crosser about 6:30 a.m. Wednesday. She was interviewed and her backpack and purse were searched.

Authorities say two marijuana-filled bricks were located inside her purse.

CBP officers took the girl into custody and she was turned over to the Border Operations Task Force. The name of the teen hasn't been released because she's a juvenile.

In March 2012, another juvenile female was caught attempting to smuggle about 18 pounds of marijuana. She was caught at Deming High School after school administration received a tip she was trying to smuggle the drugs.

Earlier, in Feb., a 16-year-old Deming girl was caught attempting to smuggle 15 pounds of marijuana through the Columbus Port of Entry.

The latest incidents brings the total of young women under 18 attempting to smuggle drugs in Luna County to three this year.